Note - this page contains multiple reviews.

Name: Timothy Freeman
Email: tf82@yahoo.com
Age: 41
Occupation: professional
NumberOfCruises: 8
TravelAgent: No
Ship: Crystal-Symphony
SailingDate: July 29, 1998
Itinerary: UK, Ireland, France, Portugal, Spain
FoodDiningRoom: 100
CruiseDirector: 100
CabinComfort: 100
FoodRoomService: 95
CruiseStaff: 100
CabinAmenities: 100
FoodLidoDeck: 90
DiningRoomService: 100
CabinQuietness: 100
FoodMidnightBuffets: 80
CabinSteward: 100
ShoreExcVariety:
FoodVariety: 95
DeckService: 100
ShoreExcValue:
GoodForHoneymoon:
CasinoStaff:
PrivateIsland:
GoodForFamilies: 85
LoungeService: 100
TenderService:
GoodForSeniors:
BeautySalonStaff:
EntertainmentLounges: 85
WheelchairAccess:
ExerciseFacilities: 90
EntertShowLounge: 90
OverallPortsofCall: 80
BeautySalon:
EntertainmentPoolside: 0
CruiseActivities: 90
Casino: 100
AirSeaProgram:
MedicalFacilities:
ShipCleanliness: 100
EmbarkDisembark: 85
DiscoNightclubs: 90
DeckSpace: 100
Stabilization: 80
ShopsOnBoard: 100
SpaceRatio: 100
OverallCruiseValue: 96
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 16 Aug 1998
Time: 21:48:14
Remote Name: 204.181.109.178
Remote User:

Comments

PATH OF THE PHOENICIANS onboard Crystal Cruises’ Crystal Symphony July 29th-August 10th, 1998

Background

We have been on seven cruises, this being our eighth. This was our first time on Crystal. Previous cruises:

Sky Princess, Alaska Star Princess, Mediterranean Royal Princess, Baltic Regal Princess, Caribbean Sun Princess, Caribbean Sun Viking (RCI), Southeast
Asia Galaxy (Celebrity), Caribbean

Itinerary

July 29 Dover, England July 30 at sea July 31 Dublin, Ireland Aug 1 Cobh (Cork), Ireland Aug 2 at sea Aug 3 Lorient, France Aug 4 at sea Aug 5 Lisbon,
Portugal Aug 6 at sea (cruise by Gibraltar) Aug 7 Alicante, Spain Aug 8 Palma de Mallorca Aug 9 at sea Aug 10 Barcelona, Spain

Getting There

We took a five o’clock flight on American from Dallas. After about 9 hours, the plane touched down in London (Gatwick) at around 8 in the morning. From
there we took a cab and toured some of the sites (Leeds Castle and Canterbury) on the way to the port of Dover.

Checking In

We arrived at the pier around 2:15, and a porter took our luggage since we were not on the Air/Sea program. We then quickly passed through to the
desks and checked in immediately. We were allowed to board at 2:45, and were then escorted to our stateroom.

The Stateroom

We had a category C outside stateroom on deck 7. It is very nice and has more than enough space. The bathroom has double sinks and a hair dryer,
along with a bathtub/shower combination. The room has a desk, table, sofa, mini-bar, and a safe. The TV features CNN International along with the British
channel Sky News. It also has multiple ship and movie channels. The closet is very large and has plenty of hangers, and there are many drawers (but
they are really tiny). There is even another hair dryer in the closet. All deck 7 staterooms are located on the promenade, but Crystal incorporated 2
important things in the design of the ship to make them very private. 1, they raised the interior part of deck 7 about three feet higher than that of the
exterior, where the promenade is. So, if someone walks by, their head is either below or right at the bottom of the window. 2, they made the windows
mirrors, so when looking into a window from the outside, all you see is yourself. And believe me, I tested it. Our stateroom stewardess, Hanna, was
incredible. She did a great job (we never had to put out the ‘clean up stateroom’ sign).

The Ship

~51,000 tons ~940 guests ~781 feet long

The Crystal Symphony is a nice sized ship. Although, it is about the smallest I would travel on, mainly because I consider the ship a destination. I tend to
get bored on the smaller ones. It is nicely finished out and is always immaculately clean. I always saw someone polishing the brass or cleaning the carpet.
The most spectacular public room is the Crystal Plaza because of its sweeping staircase and waterfall. The ship has excellent passenger flow. I never
waited more than 5 seconds for and elevator and rarely did I stop at any floor to pick up guests. I guess this is mainly due to the low passenger count for
a ship of this size.

The Dining Room

Service in the Crystal Dining Room was exceptional, and the food was even better. The waiters always knew what we didn’t want on our salad and what
we wanted them to make off the menu for us. I have no complaints regarding the dining room.

The Ports

Dover - We didn’t see much of this since it was the port of embarkation.

Dublin - We took the Dublin City Tour, and it was worth it. They take you all around the city on a system of buses and you are free to get off at any stop.
When you want to go you just wait a few minutes for the next bus to come.

Cobh - Cobh is a very quaint seaside town with an incredible cathedral. It was once known as Queenstown, the last stop of the Titanic before she went
down. We also went to Blarney Castle and kissed the Blarney Stone. But this is nasty because the stone, which is usually gray, has turned black from all
the mouths that have kissed it. I was the only person from my group who actually kissed it. Fortunately, I didn’t receive any sores or infections from the
infested rock. The hike up to the top is really a hike. One must navigate twisting spiral staircases and uneven cobblestones. Not to mention a long line.

Lorient - I could have missed this one.

Lisbon - This city was spectacular. They call it the San Francisco of Europe for its sloping streets, trolley cars, and a wannabe Golden Gate Bridge.

Gibraltar - We cruised by this incredible site.

Alicante - This is a great town with nice beaches and an imposing fortress overlooking the whole seaside.

Palma - A nice island, that’s about it.

Barcelona - Barcelona was my favorite port. The Sagrada Familia is incredible as all works of Gaudi are. Also, we walked down Las Ramblas, the main
street where you can find street performers, restaurants, and shops.

Post Cruise

We stayed at the Hotel Arts for two nights after the trip. This hotel is spectacular. I wouldn’t stay anywhere else in Barcelona.

Negatives

-Lorient, France -baggage handling at the hotel

Positives

-cabin -stewardess -staff -dining room -just about everything

Final

I would definitely cruise with Crystal again. Their service was flawless and the ship was incredible. Even though, the destinations were not spectacular, this cruise was incredible.

Name: lisa thompson
Email: thethompsons@tetranet.net
Age: 34
Occupation: housewife and part-time attorney
NumberOfCruises: 1
TravelAgent: No
Ship: Crystal-Symphony
SailingDate: May 8-20
Itinerary: malagaalicantemarseillesvillefrancheportofinorome
FoodDiningRoom: 95
CruiseDirector: 80
CabinComfort: 95
FoodRoomService: 95
CruiseStaff: 95
CabinAmenities: 95
FoodLidoDeck: 95
DiningRoomService: 95
CabinQuietness: 90
FoodMidnightBuffets:
CabinSteward: 90
ShoreExcVariety:
FoodVariety: 100
DeckService: 95
ShoreExcValue:
GoodForHoneymoon:
CasinoStaff:
PrivateIsland:
GoodForFamilies:
LoungeService: 90
TenderService: 90
GoodForSeniors:
BeautySalonStaff: 95
EntertainmentLounges: 95
WheelchairAccess:
ExerciseFacilities: 85
EntertShowLounge: 100
OverallPortsofCall: 98
BeautySalon: 95
EntertainmentPoolside: 95
CruiseActivities: 95
Casino:
AirSeaProgram: 90
MedicalFacilities:
ShipCleanliness: 95
EmbarkDisembark: 90
DiscoNightclubs:
DeckSpace: 95
Stabilization: 90
ShopsOnBoard: 80
SpaceRatio: 90
OverallCruiseValue: 100
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 23 May 1999
Time: 14:09:21
Remote Name: stl-max22-link-77.tetranet.net
Remote User:

Comments

This was my very first luxury cruise. I was very apprehensive about getting seasick, which I am prone to do. We flew
from St. Louis to NYK, and then to Lisbon. We did a lot of waiting here and there, especially going through customs
(2 hours!)and with the jet lag, we surely felt the expected weariness of traveling just to get to the ship. But, oh! It was
all worth it. We walked up the gangway and into the lobby and it was like stepping into paradise. It totally blew me
away, and when I saw the beautiful two-story fountain, the gorgeous flowers and statue, and all those porters lined
up with uniforms and gloves to take our bags, I just had to stand there and cry. I felt so utterly blessed.

Our stateroom was the perfect size for my husband and me. A double bed, which was comfortable with down pillows
and comforter, a desk, a couch, a table for in-room dining, a veranda with table, two deck chairs and a footstool,
and a bathroom with strong, hot shower, bathtub, two sinks and a toilet. They provided shampoo, conditioner,
sewing kit, nail file, cotton swabs, lotion, hair dryer, bathrobes, plenty of drawer and closet space with sturdy wood
hangers. If we needed something not in the room, such as bandaids and safety pins, we simply called our
stewardess and she brought it.

We spent a lot of time in our stateroom, reading, watching movies, and having quite a few breakfasts and two
dinners there. The television had CNN to inform us of current events, three movie channels and channels for ship
information, such as how they desalinate the water, what to expect at the upcoming port, special messages for
birthdays, etc. and one channel had a special concert or presentation which changed twice a day (symphony,
Streisand, Cosby, Puccini, and European artists).

The food was incredible! Every delicacy imaginable, from caviar to European desserts and everything in between. In
the dining room, each dinner menu gave four choices for appetizer, two or three for soup, two for salad, one pasta
selection and four amazing entrees, all different varieties of fare: seafood, beef, lamb, and duck, for example. The
desserts were splendid and varied. The headwaiter made a special 'Salzburg Knuckle' for us which I highly
recommend for the sweet lover. The waiter and assistant waiter were both from Turkey, and they served us well.
The atmosphere is so friendly, that by the end of the cruise we felt we really knew them and the rest of the staff,
which was international in every respect. We ate most of our breakfasts and lunches on the Lido deck. The service
was extraordinary, with an Italian head waiter and staff from Yugoslavia and Philappines. Always smiling, always
serving, sometimes getting my decaf cappuccino before I even asked for it! On four occasions, they prepared
special buffets for lunch. One was Asian, one Mediterranean, one American barbecue and one Gala, featuring all
edible artistic creations made by the chefs. It was unbelievable!

Three nights were formal, and my husband rented a tuxedo back home on a cruise special, and I had two formal
gowns, one which I wore on the first and third formal nights. It was one of the highlights that we looked forward to,
and we were not disappointed. Everyone looked so smashing and elegant, and two professional photographers
were taking portraits of which we purchased three. We sat at a table with the same three couples each night, and we
couldn't have been more pleased with our tablemates. After dinner on four of the nights, we saw the musical
production on the ship. You'll notice I gave this a perfect score, and I mean it! George DeMott was the leading man,
and Krista Pope, the leading lady, with an ensemble of four men and four women, all of them extraordinarily
talented. We are talking about proficient dancers, excellent singers, exquisite costumes--the works. It was a
pleasure to watch them. The first one was a Cole Porter night. I can't say I'm a Cole Porter fan, but it was great just
because of the dancing and singing. The second was Rodgers and Hammerstein, which was an improvement on the
score and just as enjoyable to watch. The third and fourth were spectacular and thrilling: The Million Dollar Musicals
tribute and the Symphony of Nations, saluting musical styles from every continent. What a treat!

Sea days were jam packed with activities. I would wake up early and slip out to let my husband sleep in. I would go to
the Palm Court with my Bible and have my own private time with the Lord. The Palm Court is a large indoor room at
the end of the Lido deck, with windows all around for looking at the water, wicker furniture everywhere and palms. It
is a very peaceful, quiet place. Early in the morning, no one was there but me, so I sang my heart out to God, read
my Bible, and prayed--it was so meaningful to me. Then breakfast and an assortment of activities from 8:00 a.m.
until dinner. I played team trivia, did the daily quiz, made a sun visor and necklace in Arts and Crafts, played ping
pong, sat by the pool, and went to the gym one day for treadmill and bike. My husband and I took dance lessons
several times, and spent a lot of time lounging around the pool or in the Palm Court reading. (I read three novels,
my husband read seven.) Each afternoon from 3:30-4:30 was Tea Time, and the staff which served us was from
Czechoslovakia and England. Two days they had special themes for the tea time. I had my first French Pedicure,
got my hair cut and on another day, had my hair styled for a formal night.

We were able to send and receive email on the ship, which was kind of fun. There was also a very nice library on
board, with the latest novels and videos to check out for free. The Avenue Saloon was a richly decorated room with
a grand piano, and Marcia Castro was magnificent, as she could play anything on the piano from Rachmananoff to
Gershwin to Sting to Bachrach while singing or telling a funny story. It was very light and entertaining and very
special when she asked what our wedding song was and played it on the spot.

Port days were slow and quiet on the ship because most passengers and half of the crew went off the ship to
sightsee. Our favorite ports were Villefranche and Portofino, which required tenders to get us from the ship to the
port. The ports themselves were right out of a painting and were romantic and charming. We did a lot of walking and
climbing, choosing not to do an organized tour. In Villefranche, there was a frenchman who drove a little blue train,
like the parking shuttle at Disney Land, only smaller. For $6 he drove about 20 people around for 45 minutes and
we could really see the highlights that way, without too much time or expense.

My only complaints were these: no rootbeer, the turf under the ping pong table was soaking wet and dangerous,
and I did get a little queazy on the first and last days. I did not turn green or vomit, but was feeling very
uncomfortable with the tremendous rocking. The concierge gave me CALM-SEA tablets, and they worked great. The
only problem is, they made me so sleepy that I slept until 12:30 the next day! All in all, my fears about being sea sick
were unfounded to any serious extent.

We took tours of the Bridge and the Galley, which were both great and informative. We cannot wait to go on another
cruise, and we will DEFINITELY be going on Crystal. BON VOYAGE and BUON APPETITO!

God bless you! Mrs. Lisa Thompson

Name: Martin Cohn
Email: mpclaw@aol.com
Age: 47
Occupation: Attorney
NumberOfCruises: 4
TravelAgent: No
Ship: Crystal-Symphony
SailingDate: May 18th to June 2nd
Itinerary: Med
FoodDiningRoom: 100
CruiseDirector: 95
CabinComfort: 99
FoodRoomService: 95
CruiseStaff: 98
CabinAmenities: 98
FoodLidoDeck: 90
DiningRoomService: 100
CabinQuietness: 99
FoodMidnightBuffets:
CabinSteward:
ShoreExcVariety: 90
FoodVariety: 99
DeckService: 99
ShoreExcValue: 80
GoodForHoneymoon: 99
CasinoStaff: 95
PrivateIsland:
GoodForFamilies: 80
LoungeService: 95
TenderService: 95
GoodForSeniors: 99
BeautySalonStaff:
EntertainmentLounges: 99
WheelchairAccess:
ExerciseFacilities: 99
EntertShowLounge: 99
OverallPortsofCall: 99
BeautySalon:
EntertainmentPoolside: 95
CruiseActivities: 95
Casino: 95
AirSeaProgram:
MedicalFacilities:
ShipCleanliness: 99
EmbarkDisembark: 95
DiscoNightclubs: 95
DeckSpace: 99
Stabilization: 99
ShopsOnBoard: 90
SpaceRatio: 99
OverallCruiseValue: 95
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 03 Jul 1999
Time: 18:59:11
Remote Name: sdn-ar-001casbarp207.dialsprint.net
Remote User:

Comments

This was our third Cruise on Crystal, second on the Symphony. In my last reveiw of the Harmony, I gave several catagories
a 90 with the caveat being that my only reluctance to give a higher rating was that something could always be better. In this
most recent sailing on the Symphony, I cannot imagine that it could have been any better.

The dining room service is always superb on Crystal and the food is always superb as well. This sailing, it seems if they
had taken food preparation and presentation to a new level. The food selection, service, quality and presentation was as
good as any top restaurant in the world. And that is no small task considering the amount of people they serve.

Crystal is high end all the way, and you are 'looked after', as the British would say from the moment you arrive until you
reluctantly leave. On this most recent trip through the Mediterean, I was amazed at the number of people who were taking
back to back and in some cases more than two cruises. One lady I spoken with had been on the ship for 6 months.

This particular cruise started in Rome and ended in Athens with stops in Sorrento and Livorno Italy, Nice France, Velatta
Malta, Santorini and Mykonos Greece, and Kasudasi Turkey.

One of a few complaints, was that the tours tended to be quite expensive and one 'tour' in particular was way overpriced. In
Livoro Italy, a 90 minute bus ride to Florence which dropped you off at the train station in Florence and allowed you 5 hours
on your own with a return to the ship was priced at $75.00 person, while at the same time, a round trip train ticket with a
stop in Pisa was $12.00. (Cabs were available dockside for $280.00 fixed price for excursion to Florence and Pisa)

Several times, they urged everyone departing in Athens independently to sign up for a $75.00 per person transfer to either
the airport or the central city citing a lack of taxis at the terminal. Pireaus, the port city of Athens is a 24 hour super busy
hub of activity. Cruise shipsand ferries are in and out all the time and upon our arrival there were at least a 100 cabs
waiting. Fare to downtown Athens or the airport averaged aroud $6.00.

Another small complaint was that the $4.00 cocktails could have contained a little more liquor especially in light of the fact
that they buy their liquor duty free. Also, paying $1.50 for soft drinks and a $1.50 for espresso is a little annoying as well,
but the practice seems to be industry wide as does having the ships photographer snapping your photo at any chance they
have.

Feel free to e-mail me with additional questions.

Marty Cohn mpclaw@aol.com

Name: Jonathan Nareff
Email: jnareff@aol.com
Age: 52
Occupation: CIO
NumberOfCruises: 9
TravelAgent: No
Ship: Crystal-Symphony
SailingDate: 12/28/1999
Itinerary: Aukland, NZ - LA
Cabin: A-9065
FoodDiningRoom: 95
CruiseDirector: 100
CabinComfort: 90
FoodRoomService: 95
CruiseStaff: 100
CabinAmenities: 85
FoodLidoDeck: 85
DiningRoomService: 95
CabinQuietness: 85
FoodMidnightBuffets: 
CabinSteward: 90
ShoreExcVariety: 75
FoodVariety: 80
DeckService: 100
ShoreExcValue: 75
GoodForHoneymoon: 
CasinoStaff: 80
PrivateIsland: 
GoodForFamilies: 80
LoungeService: 95
TenderService: 90
GoodForSeniors: 
BeautySalonStaff: 
EntertainmentLounges: 92
WheelchairAccess: 
ExerciseFacilities: 85
EntertShowLounge: 90
OverallPortsofCall: 85
BeautySalon: 
EntertainmentPoolside: 75
CruiseActivities: 90
Casino: 85
AirSeaProgram: 
MedicalFacilities: 
ShipCleanliness: 95
EmbarkDisembark: 95
DiscoNightclubs: 
DeckSpace: 90
Stabilization: 90
ShopsOnBoard: 85
SpaceRatio: 90
OverallCruiseValue: 85
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 09 Feb 2000
Time: 15:27:31
Remote Name: 12.3.204.222
Remote User: 

Comments

This was the millenium cruise. Have been on 3 other Symphony cruises. They are all great. Every
time you step aboard these ships you smile. The people are great, the ships are great and you
almost can't help but having a nice time. We were on the 9 deck - stateroom with veranda. There is
plenty of room for two people - makes you wonder why you have a big house. There are many
drawers but they are small. Closets are ok but in general there isn't a lot of room for cloths for a
long cruise. Crew is great. I'm always amazed how many people know your name and call you by it
after the first day. This is obviously emphasised by Crystal. The deck stewards are the greatest.
They are almost too attentive. They carry trays, they bring you water and ice tea cause you had it
yesterday. Never mind that you aren't thirsty. The object of this cruise wasn't ports - it was millenium.
Aukland, where we boarded and we spent 4 days was great. Apia was pretty bad, Western Samoa
was fine but a few hours were enough. The crew sort of laughed about stopping at Fanning Island
since they have nothing.. Nothing but a beautify Pacific Atol, crystal clear light green water, a great
beach 50 yards from the little dock. One of the best several hours of any trip we've been on has
been this stop and the beach. From then on to Hawaii, where Hawaii is Hawaii - great. We didn't
have great weather on the trip and the 4 days from Hawaii to LA were pretty bad. Millenium
entertainment was great- two New Years Eve's one on each side of the Date Line. The first was
formal, the second a futuristic night. Great, great, great. Entertainment is always a plus on this ship
but it was probably the only real negative. They opened a new show - something about
entertainment through time. Complete with costumes for all staff. The show was terrible. It had no
pace, was confused and had a lot of ballet and clasical music. The entertainers aren't classical
performers. About a third of the audience had left before the show was over and it was the talk of
the ship the next few days about how bad it was. I hope Crystal realizes and drops this show. I
understand they spend a fortune on it so maybe the'll try and make it better. 

Bottom line, I'd go back and do a Crystal Cruise any time. 

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